New Hampshire officials are hoping to limit the spread of an invasive beetle responsible killing millions of ash trees nationwide.

They announced an emergency quarantine Monday of Merrimack County, where the pest was discovered. Under quarantine, ash trees, tree material and all hardwood firewood cannot leave Merrimack County. The state will hold meetings during a 30 day period for public comment, after which the quarantine may be altered. A multi-agency survey in the Concord-area will help determine the extent of the beetle's presence.

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The emerald ash borer, originally from China, was first discovered in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002, and has since spread to 19 states. Ash is six percent of New Hampshire forests, a common landscape tree and popular source of firewood.